Mission
Our mission is to assist individuals and families in obtaining their basic health and wellness needs; to increase public awareness and support for those negatively impacted by systemic issues; and to provide information and activities to improve overall health and wellness.
Vision
The Lionel Lee Jr. Center for Wellness is a grassroots organization that addresses concerns through education, networking, and advocacy.
Values
Inclusivity
Advocacy
Empowerment
Equity
Community
Meet the Team
Sonja Lee
Ron Session-Potochar
Quality Director/Treasurer
Lamont Bennett
Information Technology Specialist
Lari Blakeney
Board Member
Sonja Lee
Executive Director, Lionel Lee Jr. Center for Wellness
In 2006, Reverend Sonja Lee founded the Lionel Lee Jr. Center for Wellness (LLCW), an organization formed to provide assistance to people who are uninsured or underinsured, and to provide programs and activities to improve the health and wellness of underserved populations with a focus on BIPOC and LGBTQ communities. She has over 30 years of non-profit experience and is committed to utilizing her gifts and skills as an agent for change to improve the lives of those most in need. Under her leadership, the organization provides services that empower the most vulnerable people in our society.
Reverend Lee is an advocate for equity and fair treatment of all people. She has a passion for service and to that end works tirelessly toward improving the health and wellness of marginalized people in our community. Sonja Lee is a certified Community Health Worker (CHW) and member of the NC Community Health Worker Association. She holds a Master of Arts in Christian Education degree from Union Presbyterian Seminary; and is a proud veteran of the U.S. Army where she received numerous citations and awards for outstanding service.
Ron Session-Potochar
Quality Director/Treasurer
Ron brings 30+ years of corporate experience to the Organization. He currently works as an independent Food Safety Consultant with DL Newslow & Associates. Ron displays a commitment to helping others through his work as an ordained Minister. Along with being a founding member of the Executive Board of Directors for the LLCW, Ron volunteers his services on the Executive Board of Directors with the Emancipation Foundation. He believes that healthy families create healthy communities. His encouraging and generous heart has a positive impact on the LLCW’s clients and volunteers.
Ron is from Freehold, NJ and currently resides in Douglasville, GA with his Husband, Ermon Session-Potochar. He is an honors graduate from Morgan State University with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering. As a result of his academic excellence, he was awarded the Presidential Honors Scholarship, the NASA/Morgan Engineering Scholarship and induction into the Alpha Kappa Mu National Honor Society. Ron has received his Masters Certification in Lean Six Sigma - Black Belt from Villanova University.
Lamont Bennett Information Technician Specialist
Lamont has 17+ years of experience in Information Technology as a Communications Specialist, including international work with the US Navy. Currently, he provides online technical support in the Hydraulics and Pneumatics field. Lamont is also certified as a Graphic Artist, Web Designer, and Modified Behavioral Specialist. In his free time, he loves being with his grandchildren and great-granddaughter, as well as engaging in activities like reading, cooking, baking, hiking, and enjoying outdoor adventures. He also has a passion for travel and live events.
Lari Blakeney
Board Member
Lari Blakeney is a native of Charlotte, North Carolina, currently residing in Gastonia, North Carolina. His motto is 'GETTER DONE,' emphasizing the importance of taking action in the present moment. With over 20 years of dedicated volunteer experience, Lari serves as an inspiration to others.
Lari firmly believes in the transformative power of healing and helping. He recognizes the value of volunteering and our responsibility as individuals to care for one another. In 2005, he devoted his time to assisting with the American Red Cross' disaster relief operations, ensuring that individuals displaced by Hurricane Katrina received urgent care and support. Lari finds joy in helping people, collaborating with others to accomplish shared goals, and bringing smiles to those he encounters.
Apart from his philanthropic pursuits, Lari is a certified Class A truck driver employed at PTL Trucking, where he skillfully applies his extensive expertise. He takes pleasure in working with his hands, whether it involves building or assembling various things. Moreover, Lari actively engages in projects aimed at beautifying our world, showcasing his passion for being a handyman.
Lari holds a deep affection for his neighborhood and the people within it. He is a devoted husband, brother, loyal friend, and grateful son to his mentors. One of his biggest dreams is to establish his own food truck to serve the community. Supported by his loving wife, Marage Blakeney, Lari derives immense joy from their beautiful 27-year marriage. In pursuit of being closer to his home and community, Lari plans to transfer to Schneider Trucking Incorporated.